Greek Passport Climbs to Top 5 in Global Visa-Free Travel Rankings

The Greek passport has secured a prestigious spot in the top five of the 2025 Henley Passport Index, a global ranking of passports based on visa-free travel access, according to London-based consultancy Henley & Partners. Utilizing exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index evaluates 199 passports and their access to 227 global destinations.

Greece now shares fifth place with New Zealand and Switzerland, offering visa-free entry to 187 destinations. This marks a climb from sixth place in 2024 and early 2025, and seventh in 2022 and 2023, showcasing Greece’s growing global mobility.

Global Leaders and European Strength

Singapore retains its crown as the world’s most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in second with 190 destinations. Europe dominates the upper ranks, with seven EU nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—tied for third with access to 189 destinations. In fourth place, another seven European countries—Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden—offer access to 188 destinations.

Rising Stars: UAE, China, and India

The United Arab Emirates stands out as a major climber, leaping 34 spots over the past decade to eighth place. China has also surged, rising from 94th to 60th since 2015, though it still lacks visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area. In 2025, China expanded visa-free entry to nations like Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and several South American countries, boosting its openness score to 75 nations.

India recorded the largest six-month gain, jumping eight spots to 77th with visa-free access to 59 destinations. Saudi Arabia also advanced, climbing four places to 54th by adding four new visa-free destinations, now totaling 91.

Declines Amid Global Shifts

Despite the trend toward greater mobility, 16 countries have slipped in the rankings. Venezuela saw the steepest drop, falling 15 places to 45th. The United States fell eight spots, followed by Vanuatu (six), the United Kingdom (five), and Canada (four). Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, noted that as the US and UK adopt more inward-looking policies, their citizens are increasingly seeking enhanced global access through strategic mobility and citizenship planning.

A New Era of Mobility

The Henley Passport Index highlights a global shift toward openness and stronger passport power. However, growing geopolitical uncertainty underscores the importance of strategic mobility for travelers and investors alike.

Source: https://greekcitytimes.com